Ridgecrest Camps

After roughly 4 months of constant work, seven cabins have received a complete upgrade. Cabins 10-16 are now complete and ready for campers this summer! As we have continued to update you all throughout the process, today we are proud to present the final product and show you the differences. You will notice many differences on the hill. A few of those differences include: big porches, a green trim on Choctaw cabins, green roofing, Cabin 12 facing a new direction, new green doors, and much more! To see how awesome the upgrades are, check out the pictures below…

Boys learn a lot of things here at Camp Ridgecrest. One of those things is how to properly administer a “high five.” Thanks to the friends of camp,  “Trip and Tyler” for this hilarious idea!

At Ridgecrest Summer Camps, we want to do our best to help you excel through the challenges of parenthood. As we think of you when Camp’s gates aren’t open, we know that you are fielding the “follow up” questions from the summer. So, we want to try to equip you the best we can.

I’m sure that arguments never occur in your household. But just in case they do, here are a few questions to spark good discussion with you kids.

For Preschoolers
What is an argument?
If a friend wants to play a game you don’t like, what would be the nice thing to do?
How can you love somebody when they might be mad at you?

For Children
Do you remember your last argument with a friend or family member?
How did it end?
What can you do to still be nice to someone when you disagree?
Would you let somebody have their way over something you disagreed about (give an example)?

For Students
When do disagreements begin?
How do disagreements go wrong?
What is most difficult about being the peacemaker?
As a Christian, why should you try to make peace?

I hope your conversations are fruitful. If you get any exceptional responses, please feel free to share then here…

I know it’s silly, but I have to ask: Does an apple tree bear oranges or a grape vine produce strawberries? The answer is a big, obvious “NO!”

Now let me ask you this. What kinds of fruit should a Christian bear?

Read 1 John 3:4-6. Focus on verse 6.

What is the law being referred to in the passage?

How did John define sin?

Who is the sinless One who was revealed to take away your sins?

What did John mean when he wrote that anyone who sins has not seen God?

In what ways has your life changed since you became a Christian?

Do Christians never sin? Is that what John is trying to say in today’s Scripture passage? Not quite. We may belong to God’s family now, but we’re still in this world. Sooner or later, we’re bound to mess up. But we know for certain that when we became God’s children, we were also freed from sin’s tight grip. Through the Holy Spirit’s power, we can choose to stop sinning and start following Him.

So it is a problem when you can’t (or won’t) stop sinning. Think about it. As God’s child, you’ll genuinely want to leave old, sinful habits behind. Of course that’s not easy—but God knows that. But that’s why He gave you the Holy Spirit. He never expected you to escape from sin in your own strength. Instead, He has provided the way out and the means to stay out. What great love is that!

Think about what it means to be your parents’ child. How are you like your mom or dad? How are you different? How much of your identity is tied up in whose child you are? Why?

Read 1 John 3:1-3 twice, stopping to think about verse 1.

What is the promise found in this passage?

What does it mean to be called a child of God?

Why is it so important that Christians know God loves them unconditionally?

According to these verses, what should your motivation be for becoming pure? Why?

How does being God’s child change the way you look at and treat others?

Nothing beats being God’s child! If you’re a Christian, that’s your identity. Let’s face it, where else can you go to find unconditional love and acceptance but in His arms? He is the Holy God who knows and has made everything. Yet He is willing to take us for His own!

And it doesn’t stop there. In today’s passage, John assured us not only of our identity in God but also of the future that lies waiting for us. And although he doesn’t tell us exactly what it’ll be like, one thing’s for sure: we’re going to be with our Father! That alone should convince you it’s going to be more awesome than anything you can ever imagine!

Tron. An good movie. And even better Sockwar here at Camp Ridgecrest! Wish you all could have been a part of this one. Good thing we captured it on camera, this is a must see. Sorry it will make you miss camp even more…

align with God; avoid the harmful; adopt the beneficial: godly choices/improved service to God

Conversation Starters

How can you keep this conversation going at home? Try bouncing some of these questions around at the dinner table, as you’re driving your kids to school or an activity, or even while you’re shopping together:

For Preschoolers

• After giving a snack or a dessert at some point during the week, play a game mentioning different sweets that your child likes. Point out the fact that too much of something, even though we may like it, can make us sick. Tell her that we must always remember when to stop.

For School-Age

• Ask your child to remember a time when he ate too much and felt sick. Ask him to imagine being old and feeling too big and too tired to do the things he loves. Remind him that by not taking care of our bodies, over time we will grow overweight and unhealthy.

For Students

• Discuss the results of people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs. Find current stories of celebrities whose lives are in ruin due to excess.

We all make mistakes. You can’t argue with that; it’s a given. I have to confess, however, that I hate owning up to mine. And since I specialize in making mistakes, I have to keep owning up to them over and over again! Sometimes I think I should just hang a sign around my neck, “Yes, I did it. I’m sorry.” Then I won’t have to speak up anymore!

Maybe you know what I’m talking about.

Read 1 John 1:8-10. Read verse 9 out loud.

According to the passage, how do we deceive ourselves?

What did John mean when he wrote that the truth is not in us?

What does this passage tell you about God’s forgiveness?

Why is it important that you recognize your sin and confess it?

What sins do you need to confess to God today? Seek His forgiveness; He’s willing to give it!

Last week we were reminded that we’re liars. In today’s passage, we’re forced to admit that we make a lot of mistakes. Being honest about ourselves can be difficult. All these confessions get us down and make us feel like failures.

Yet we don’t have to stop there. Defeat isn’t for God’s children. Jesus has overcome, and through Him, forgiveness and fresh starts become ours to claim. The point of these verses is that you are a sinner. If you claimed otherwise, you’d be a liar. But God is a God of forgiveness. And if you sincerely ask for forgiveness, He will forgive you. No doubt about that—He promised, and He always keeps His word. It’s what happens afterward that’s up to you. Changing for the better is the mark of true repentance. It’s one of the best ways you can ever thank Him for all He’s done for you.

The last time we updated everyone on the progress taking place on Choctaw Hill, the exterior of the cabins was nearing completion. From the outside, it seemed the job was pretty much done. But there still much work that needed to be done. Today, we can announce the the cabins are about 99% done. They do not have the furniture moved back in, but they have received a face-lift on the inside. Each of the cabins are now equipped with brand new walls, ceilings, and floors. You will also be able to note the new doors that cabins have received. Another upgrade you will see are the wooden window shutters that can cover screen windows in the winter to protect the cabins from winter weather. In the pictures below, you will see all of these new additions as well as a preview of the new windows to the old walls that show some of the old camper and staff names. In one picture, you will see names of camp friends from decades ago, including Chris Shirley, as well as his son Andrew. Enjoy!